Oral Health Factors Research Articles

Effects of socioeconomic level on dental scaling experience in the community: a multilevel analysis

Objectives The purpose of this study was to investigate the associations between a community-level factor and dental scaling experience and to confirm the associations with individual factors in Korea. Methods In total, 203,088 individuals from 243 communities participated in the 2013 Community Health Survey. A dichotomized response of experiences with dental scaling was used as the outcome and the regional deprivation index was used as the explanatory community-level factor. In addition, various individual factors were included as covariates. In the bivariate analysis, the chi-square test was used. Multilevel multivariate logistic regression was also performed where in four models were applied. The bivariate analysis showed that all factors at the individual and community level showed significant associations with an individual's experience with dental scaling. Results The factors that were significantly associated with the dental scaling experience were being male, being 40-49 years old, having a higher income level, being economically active, having a higher education level, being a non-smoker, being a drinker, having good periodontal health, using oral hygiene products, tooth-brushing after lunch, and residing in less deprived regions (P<0.01). As with the results of multilevel logistic regression analysis, the regional deprivation index was significantly associated with scaling experience after adjusting for individual factors with an adjusted odds ratio of 0.98 (95% CI: 0.97-0.99), demonstrating an association between a lack of experience with scaling and lower socioeconomic status in the community. Conclusions This study indicated that the scaling experience was affected not only by individual factors, but also by factors at the community level. Future studies are required to examine the detailed relationships between oral health and other community factors such as medical and social capital.

IMPACT OF DENTURES ON ORAL HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE.

Stomatoprothetic dentures are one of the factors of oral health and life quality of people of all ages. The aim of the paper is to make a connection between the oral health quality and quality of life on one side and the type of denture on the other. This research study was conducted on the sample of 360 patients singled out in three numerically identical groups as follows: group I - patients treated with fixed dentures, group 11 - patients treated with mobile dentures, and group III -patients treated with both fixed and mobile dentures. The oral health quality was observed via five parameters: anamnestic data, symptoms of ill-functioning of basic functions instomatogenic system (chewing and speech), extra oral examination, intraoral examination, and dental abilities. For some oral health quality parameters, the index of quality was determined. Analyses of our three target groups of patients indicated that the patients from group I (treated with fixed dentures) suffered the least negative effects in line with the observed parameters; they are followed by patients from group III (combined dentures) and patients from group 11 (mobile dentures), respectively. Our research study showed that some oral health parameters have different impacts on health and life quality in patients treated with different stornatoprosthetic dentures.

한국 노인의 건강요인 및 구강건강요인과 우울증 유병여부의 관련성

Objectives: The purpose of the study is to investigate the relationship between health factor, oral health factor and revalence of depression in Korea elderly by data from the 5th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey(KNHANES) 2012. Methods: The subjects were 10,938 elderly over 65 years old by rolling survey method and data were extracted from the 5th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey(KNHANES) 2012. Data of 1,421 elderly were finally selected and analyzed using kstrada. The questionnaire consisted of socio-demographical characteristics of the subjects, health factors, oral health factors and depression. The oral health factors included subjective perception of oral health, alcohol consumption, exercise, smoking, and toothache. Results: Health factors influencing on the prevalence of depression were subjective health(p<0.001), stress(p<0.001), and alcohol consumption(p<0.05). Oral health factors related to the prevalence of depression were subjective oral health(p<0.05), annual dental checkup(p<0.01), and speaking problem(p<0.01). Conclusions: It is necessary to develop the oral health promotion program for the elderly and help them maintain good quality of life and mental health.

The relationship between the number of natural teeth and airflow obstruction: a cross-sectional study using data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

BackgroundPotential associations between oral health and respiratory disease, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), have been suggested in several studies. Among the indicators reflecting oral health, the number of natural teeth is an integrated and simple index to assess in the clinic. In this study, we examined the relationship between the number of natural teeth and airflow obstruction, which is a central feature of COPD.MethodsA total of 3,089 participants over 40 years, who underwent reliable spirometry and oral health assessments were selected from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2012, a cross-sectional and nationally representative survey. Spirometry results were classified as normal, restrictive, or obstructive pattern. Total number and pairs of natural teeth were counted after excluding third molars.ResultsAfter adjusting for other variables, such as age, body mass index, socioeconomic factors, and oral health factors, the group with airflow obstruction showed significantly fewer natural teeth than the other groups in males (P=0.014 and 0.008 for total number and total pairs of natural teeth, respectively). Compared with participants with full dentition, the adjusted odds ratio for airflow obstruction in males with fewer than 20 natural teeth was 4.18 (95% confidence interval: 2.06–8.49) and with fewer than 10 pairs of natural teeth was 4.74 (95% confidence interval: 2.34–9.62). However, there was no significant association between the total number or pairs of natural teeth and airflow obstruction after adjustment in females.ConclusionsLoss of natural teeth was significantly associated with the presence of airflow obstruction in males. Our finding suggests that the number of natural teeth could be one of the available indices for obstructive lung diseases, including COPD.

Centralization of cleft care in the UK. Part 6: a tale of two studies.

Structured ObjectivesWe summarize and critique the methodology and outcomes from a substantial study which has investigated the impact of reconfigured cleft care in the United Kingdom (UK) 15 years after the UK government started to implement the centralization of cleft care in response to an earlier survey in 1998, the Clinical Standards Advisory Group (CSAG).Setting and Sample PopulationA UK multicentre cross-sectional study of 5-year-olds born with non-syndromic unilateral cleft lip and palate. Data were collected from children born in the UK with a unilateral cleft lip and palate between 1 April 2005 and 31 March 2007.Materials and MethodsWe discuss and contextualize the outcomes from speech recordings, hearing, photographs, models, oral health and psychosocial factors in the current study. We refer to the earlier survey and other relevant studies.ResultsWe present arguments for centralization of cleft care in healthcare systems, and we evidence this with improvements seen over a period of 15 years in the UK. We also make recommendations on how future audit and research may configure.ConclusionsOutcomes for children with a unilateral cleft lip and palate have improved after the introduction of a centralized multidisciplinary service, and other countries may benefit from this model. Predictors of early outcomes are still needed, and repeated cross-sectional studies, larger longitudinal studies and adequately powered trials are required to create a research-led evidence-based (centralized) service.

융합적 요소를 고려한 구강보건교육의 효과: 일부 지역아동센터 아동들을 중심으로

본 연구는 지역아동센터를 이용하는 아동을 대상으로 구강건강과 교육의 융합적 요소를 고려한 구강보건교육 효과를 살펴보기 위한 것이다. 조사기간은 2014년 5월 12일부터 8월 13일까지이며, 아동 124명이 연구대상이다. 수집된 자료의 통계분석은 SPSS 19.0으로 하였다. 연구결과는 다음과 같다. 첫째, 구강보건교육 후 회전법으로 이를 닦고, 잇몸과 혀도 닦았다(p<0.05). 둘째 치아에 식이조절 행의 및 자세가 변화되었다(p<0.05). 셋째, 충치예방법 행위 및 자세변화에 유의한 차이가 있었으며(p<0.05), 넷째, 구강건강인식 행위 및 자세변화에도 유의한 차이를 보였다(p<0.05). 이상의 결과로 미루어 볼 때 지역아동센터 아동을 위한 지속적인 구강보건교육 및 프로그램 개발이 필요한 것으로 사료된다. The purpose of this study is to investigate the oral health education effect considering the integrated factors of oral health and education for children in some community child center. The subjects in this study were 124 selected children, on whom a survey conducted from May 12 to August 13, 2014. The data were analyzed using SPSS 19.0. The finding of the study were as follows: First, change of rolling method and change toothbrushing in the gum and the tongue by after oral health education(p<0.05). Second, change of dietary control behavior and attitude(p<0.05). Third, change of method of preventing a dental caries behavior and attitude(p<0.05). Fourth, as for the level of oral health awareness and change of attitude were more aware than before oral health education(p<0.05). Given the findings of the study, the continuous oral health education and development of programs intending for children in some community child center seems necessary.

Inquérito epidemiológico em saúde bucal e fatores psicossociais em idosos – um estudo piloto

Aims : To conduct an epidemiological survey on oral health and psychosocial factors in individuals aged 60 years or older. Methods : This is a cross-sectional study with elderly individuals as the target population. A representative sample of Diamantina, a town in Minas Gerais State, southeastern Brazil, was used. The sample consisted of individuals aged over 60 years registered at Family Health Strategy units in the rural and urban areas of Diamantina. Data were collected at home by means of oral examinations performed by a single trained and calibrated examiner, and through questionnaires. The decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) index and sociodemographic data were investigated. Data on oral health-related quality of life, health locus of control, and use of alcohol and drugs in old age were also obtained. Results : Thirty-seven elderly individuals with a mean age of 73.41±7.25 years were interviewed. The average DMFT index was equal to 25.38±5.18. There was a statistically significant correlation between functional limitations and age, external locus and random locus, functional limitation and income, functional limitation and internal locus, and DMFT index and social disability. Conclusions : It can be concluded that quality of life, health locus of control, and DMFT index are correlated factors in the elderly. Health professionals should act in seeking to promote healthy aging.

NutOrMed—optimising nutrition, oral health and medication for older home care clients—study protocol

Malnutrition, polypharmacy and poor oral health are major concerns among older people living at home, and they contribute to disability and care dependency. This article describes the study protocol of the Nutrition, Oral Health and Medication (NutOrMed) intervention study. This study was a population-based multidisciplinary intervention study. The NutOrMed study sample included home care clients aged 75 years or over living in Eastern and Central Finland. All the participants (n = 275) were interviewed at home at the baseline and after a 6-month intervention. The primary outcomes are nutritional status, oral health status and factors associated with them. These measures were administered at the baseline and after a 6-month follow-up. Agreement between in-home interviews and electronic medical records regarding drug use was checked at the baseline. Our study provides evidence about factors associated with nutrition, oral health and medication that may compromise the ability to stay at home. The strengths of this study are its multidisciplinary approach, the diversity of the measures, including interviews and clinical examinations, and the multi-interventions targeting those in need. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02214758

55~84세 한국 성인의 현존치아수와 구강기능의 관계

본 연구는 2007~2009년 제4기 국민건강영양조사 자료를 분석하여 만 55~84세 한국인의 현존치아수와 인구사회경제적 요인, 주관적 건강수준, 그리고 구강기능 요인간의 관련성을 파악하고자 하는 목적으로 수행되었으며, 그 결과 성별과 교육수준, 부정구강진료여부, 주관적 건강 및 구강 건강상태, 씹기와 말하기 행동이 현존치아수와 관련된 변수임을 확인하였다. 인구사회경제적 요인 중, 성별에 따른 결과에서는 남성이 여성에 비해 현존치아수가 1.12개 적었으며(p<0.001), 교육수준이 높을수록 현존치아수가 많았다. 부정치과진료시술 유무와 현존치아수의 분석 결과에서는 부정치과진료 경험자가 비경험자보다 2.43개 적은 치아를 가지고 있었다(p<0.001). 주관적 건강 및 구강건강상태는 현존치아수에서 유의한 차이를 보였다. 구강기능 요인과 현존치아수의 관계에서 씹기 행동과 구강기능간의 유의한 차이를 확인하였고, 특히 말하기 행동은 불편함의 정도가 높다고 응답한 그룹일수록 현존치아수가 통계적으로 확연하게 감소하였다(p<0.001). 이러한 결과를 통해 구강기능 중에서 씹기보다는 말하기가 현존치아수와 더 밀접한 관련성을 가진다는 사실을 확인할 수 있었다. 따라서 본 연구의 결과는 만 55~84세 한국인의 구강건강 및 구강기능 향상을 위한 기초자료로 활용될 수 있을 것이다. The purpose of this study is to analyze the factors of oral function associated with number of present teeth (NT) in Korean elderly adults. The research was designed as cross-sectional study using the data of the 4th Korea National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey, and the samples were selected by stratified clusters sampling. The subjects aged 55 to 84 years were 4,780 that joined the oral examination survey and questionnaires. The respective variables reflecting socioeconomic status, subjective health status and oral function factor were analyzed and their distributional differences were confirmed by complex sampling logistic regression analysis. Multivariable liner regression models considering covariates were applied to explain the associations between the number of present teeth and other variables. Gender, educated level, illegal dental treatment, self-rated oral health and oral functional factors, including chewing behavior and speaking behavior, were associated with the number of present teeth (p<0.05). Subjects with better self-rated oral health had more NT than those with worse. Subjects with worse speaking behaviors had less NT than those with better. Interventions aiming to enhance oral health in elderly adults should consider socioeconomic, demographic, and oral functional factors.

Relationship between Perception of Oral Health, Clinical Conditions and Socio-Behavioral Factors of Mother-Child

Objective: To verify a mother's perception about her and her child`s oral health as well as to analyze its association with socio-behavioral factors. Material and Methods: The study was conducted with 73 pairs of mother and child, through interviews, using a semi-structured questionnaire and clinical exam. The clinical variables studied were: caries prevalence and gingival diseases and nonclinical variables: socio-behavioral factors, perception and habits. Bivariate analyzes, logistic regression and odds ratio (p ≤ 0.05 and 95% CI) were employed. Results: Most mothers considered their oral health as poor (57.5%) and their children as good (68.5%). In the multivariate analysis, measures of self-perception of oral health were significantly associated with the presence of caries in the mother (p <0.01), and oral health perception of the child was related to the presence of caries (p <0.01) and marital status (0.05). Conclusion: The clinical and behavioral factors were associated with the measures of perceived oral health.

Oral health, socio-economic and home environmental factors associated with general and oral-health related quality of life and convergent validity of two instruments.

BackgroundThe objective of this study was to evaluate the convergent validity between the domains of the Autoquestionnaire Qualité de Vie Enfant image (AUQUEI) and the Child Perceptions Questionnaire instrument (CPQ11–14) among schoolchildren and to assess the difference between socio-economic and clinical variables associated with their scores.MethodsAn analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil, with 515 schoolchildren aged 12 years from 22 public and private schools, selected with the use of a random multistage sampling design. They were clinically examined for dental caries experience (DMFT and dmft index) and orthodontic treatments needs (DAI index) and were asked to complete the Brazilian versions of Child Perception Questionnaire (CPQ11–14) and Autoquestionnaire Qualité de Vie Enfant image (AUQUEI). In addition, a questionnaire was sent to their parents inquiring about their socio-economic status and home characteristics. The convergent validity of the Brazilian versions of CPQ11–14 and AUQUEI instruments was analyzed by Spearman’s correlation coefficients. For comparison between the summarized scores of each questionnaire with regard to the schoolchildren’s socio-environmental and clinical aspects the nonparametric Mann–Whitney was used at level of significance of 5%.ResultsThe mean DMFT index was 1.09 and 125 (24.3%) children had orthodontic treatment needs (DAI ≥ 31). There was a similarity and a weak correlation between the scores of the domains of CPQ11–14 and AUQUEI (r ranged between −0.006 and 0.0296). In addition, a significant difference was found between the scores of the two instruments according to the socio-economic variables (p < 0.05) and presence of teeth with carious lesions (p < 0.05).ConclusionsThe general and oral health-related quality of life instruments AUQUEI and CPQ11–14 were both found to be useful, and significant influence of socio-economic and clinical variables were detected with both instruments.

Oral health and related factors in a group of children with cystic fibrosis in Istanbul, Turkey.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) patients can be considered as high caries risk patients because they frequently consume sugar-rich food between meals and they have a high intake of sugar containing syrups, aerosols, and salivary flow reducing medication. Variable caries prevalences were reported in CF patients in previous studies. There are no studies related to CF and salivary thromboplastic activity, which can be presented as a marker of wound healing and bleeding tendency of oral cavity. The aim of this study was to compare oral health status and salivary pH, flow rate, and thromboplastic activity in children with CF and healthy controls. A sample of 35 children with CF (23 girls and 12 boys), and 12 healthy control subjects (6 girls and 6 boys) were selected. Caries experience, oral hygiene, and dental erosion were assessed. Salivary flow rate, pH, thromboplastic activity, and total protein content were determined. Differences between the groups were evaluated using Chi-square test with a significance level set at 0.05. The differences between children with CF and healthy controls in tooth brushing frequency, use of fluoride tablets, caries experience, dental erosion index, oral hygiene index, salivary flow rate and total protein levels were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Salivary thromboplastic activity of the CF group was significantly lower than the healthy controls (P < 0.01). Large population studies may be necessary to establish the role of salivary thromboplastic activity in children with CF considering our findings related to the decreased salivary thromboplastic activity, which may indicate delayed oral wound healing process.

Educational Intervention for Oral Health

IntroductionImplementation and development of promotional and educational oral health programs, it is critical to identify and intervene on the risk factors for oral health in adolescents. Research Question: Does the oral health status of adolescents in particular DMFT index, plaque index, oral health risk and oral hygiene habits, suffer modification after participation in an educational program ProSorriso? Purpose of the Study: Implement a program of oral health education, to evaluate its effectiveness in improving the oral health of adolescents. Methods: Experimental analytical study-before and after the intervention program on the risk factors for oral health. A sample of 200 adolescents attending schools of Portugal, aged 11-16 years (x=13.21±1.014). Material: Risk Quantifiers in Oral Health assessed before and after participation in “ProSorriso” program. This aims at the promotion and education for oral health: oral health, diet and oral hygiene. Results: In the evaluation after the program ProSorriso: adolescents decreased the percentage of decayed teeth 50,5% to 38,5%;improved eating habits (Z=-1,325,p=0,185); had higher percentage of teeth without plaque (Z=-5,465,p=0,000). There were more adolescents to brush their teeth twice a day (Z=-2,562,p=0,010). The assessment of risk classification showed that before the educational program ProSorriso had a higher percentage of adolescents who were at high risk of developing oral problems (p=0,001). Conclusion: The intervention “ProSorriso” shown to produce effect in changing behaviors that promote healthier life styles and to be determinant of oral health status.

Oral health-related quality-of-life and mental health in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Objectives. To investigate the association between oral health, oral health-related quality-of-life (OHRQoL) and mental health-related quality-of-life (QoL) in persons with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with respect to demographic, social and clinical oral health variables. Materials and methods. One hundred participants were included in a cross-sectional study at a hospital in Norway. Data were collected via the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14), the SF-36v2 Health Survey Mental Component (MCS), other self-reported factors, an interview and a clinical examination. Multiple regression analyses were performed. The Regional Committee for Medical and Health Research Ethics approved the study. Results. Higher education (p < 0.01), being a smoker (p < 0.05) and experience of oral health problems (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with oral health-related quality-of-life (OHRQoL). Furthermore, those with feelings of dry mouth (p < 0.05) and impaired OHRQoL (p < 0.001) experienced more mental health problems. Conclusions. This study demonstrated that oral health and personal factors are related to mental health-related QoL and OHRQoL in individuals with COPD. This finding shows the need to focus on oral care.

Oral health and risk factors for dental disease of Australian young people in custody.

To describe the prevalence and risk factors for markers of poor oral health in Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal young people in custody in Australia. All incarcerated youth, aged 13-21 years, in New South Wales Juvenile Custodial Centres between August and October 2009 were invited to participate and undertake a dental exam. The main outcome measures were an assessment of moderate/abundant plaque, periodontal disease, dental caries experience, mean decayed and/or filled and/or missing teeth (DMFT) index and untreated decay. Two hundred ninety-four participants (91% male, 46% Aboriginal) underwent a dental exam. Markers of poor oral health were common - 49.4% with moderate/abundant plaque, 34.4% with periodontal disease, mean DMFT 3.56 and 54% having untreated decay. Risk factors independently associated with poor oral health were geographical remoteness and non-fluoridation of the water supply of the usual residence, a shorter incarceration time and dental treatment outside of custody. Young people entering custody have poor oral health, with those from geographically remote areas without water fluoridation at highest risk. The incarceration period is an opportunity for oral health improvements in these young people through access to dental treatment services. Better triaging systems are needed to identify those of greatest priority, and prevention services are needed.

PREVENTION OF DENTAL CARIES WITH FLUORIDES IN HUNGARY

Although there has been great improvements of oral health in the world the problem is living especially in Central and Eastern European countries. Hungary could be found on the borderline between Central and Eastern Europe representing a gate to the Western European Countries. Large variety uses of fluoride and other methods have been recognized for preventing dental diseases. From among regarding the systemic fluoride prevention a salt fluoridation programme was introduced between 1966 and 1983 in Szeged and surroundings organized by Karoly Toth. An other systemic fluoride programme was introduced by Jolan Banoczy in Fot, nearby Budapest between 1978 and 1990. Both programmes resulted in better oral health in the involved populations. A topical fluoride Elmex programme was performed by Judit Sz?ke in 1980 which showed good results with significant improvements of oral hygiene and caries increment in the test group. During the past period the only National Oral Health Programme was organized between 1986 and 1995 included administration of fluoride tablets in most kindergarten and primary schools, use of fuoride toothpaste, oral hygiene instruction and dietary counseling. Although there were a lot of problems during that period this programme resulted in mostly positive outcomes like trend of caries became decreasing and prevalence of gingivitis reduced. After finishing this programme preventive activity has been reduced considerably, the current situations of oral health and related factors are unfavourable. Conclusion – It would be necessary to organize and finance a new governmental programmes including complex preventive oral care to improve oral health in Hungary

Who needs oral care? A study of potential factors associated with the need for oral care among medical patients acutely admitted to hospital

Introduction: Oral health is important in relation to illness prevention, treatment and rehabilitation. The aim of this study was to explore potential risk factors for impaired oral health and subsequent need for oral care among medical patients acutely admitted to hospital. Methods: Patients were assessed using the Revised Oral Assessment Guide and additional data were collected retrospectively. Logistic regression analysis and Chi square test were used to examine factors associated with the need for oral care. Results: Age and smoking were significantly associated with the overall need for oral care. Being at nutritional risk, above the age of 79 years and receiving oxygen therapy were significantly related to specific clinical oral areas. Discussion: The results indicate that medical patients acutely admitted to hospital should routinely receive oral care.

치과병·의원에 내원한 환자들의 행복지수에 영향을 미치는 요인 조사

본 연구는 주관적 치주건강인식 수와 진료내용(임플란트, 교정진료, 일반진료)에 따른 행복지수를 파악하고, 구강보건측면의 영향요인을 파악함으로써 구강보건관리 프로그램을 개발하여 행복지수를 향상시킬 수 있는 기초자료를 제공하고자 한다. 부산.경남지역에 위치한 치과병 의원에 내원한 환자를 대상으로 2013년 3월부터 약 7개월간 총 400명을 대상으로 실시하여 불성실한 응답 16명을 제외하고 최종적으로 384명을 대상으로 하여 진료내용에 따른 행복지수는 단일문항(p<0.001), 5문항(p=0.037) 모두 교정치료를 받는 경우 높았고, 임플란트 진료를 받는 경우 낮았다. 주관적 치주건강인식 수에 따른 행복지수는 단일문항, 5문항 행복지수 모두 구강증상이 없는 경우 높았고(p<0.001), 주관적 건강상태와 주관적 구강건강 상태에서 매우 건강하다고 인식할수록 행복지수가 높았다(p<0.001). 단일문항 행복지수에 영향요인은 소득이 많을수록(<TEX>${\beta}$</TEX>=0.198), 주관적 건강상태가 좋을수록(<TEX>${\beta}$</TEX>=0.340) 행복지수가 높았으며, 당뇨질환이 있을수록(<TEX>${\beta}$</TEX>=-0.103), 치주질환수가 많을수록(<TEX>${\beta}$</TEX>=-0.204) 행복지수가 낮게 나타났다. 5문항 행복지수에 영향요인은 연령이 높을수록(<TEX>${\beta}$</TEX>=0.241), 소득이 많을수록(<TEX>${\beta}$</TEX>=0.198), 진료내용이 일반일 때(<TEX>${\beta}$</TEX>=0.107), 주관적 건강상태가 좋을수록(<TEX>${\beta}$</TEX>=0.275), 주관적 구강건강상태가 좋을수록(<TEX>${\beta}$</TEX>=0.132) 행복지수가 높았으며, 치주질환수가 많을수록(<TEX>${\beta}$</TEX>=-0.195) 행복지수가 낮았다. 병 의원에 내원한 환자를 대상으로 주관적 구강건강 인식을 향상하기 위한 구강건강프로그램이 마련되어야할 것이다. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship of the self-rated peridontal health status of dental patients and the type of their treatment(implant, orthodontic treatment and general treatment) to the quality of life(happiness index), to investigate influential factors for oral health, and ultimately to provide some information on the development of oral health care programs geared toward boosting the happiness index. The subjects in this study were the patients who visited dental hospitals and clinics in Busan and South Gyeongsang Province. As for relationship between the field of treatment and the happiness index, the patients who received orthodontic treatment scored higher in both each itemand all the five items, and the patients who received implant treatment scored lower. Regarding links between self-rated periodontal health status and the happiness index, the patients who had no oral symptoms scored higher in both each item and all the five items, and the respondents whose self-rated health status and self-rated oral health status were both very good scored higher in the happiness index. The preparation of oral health programs that aim to improve the self-rated oral health of patients who visit dental hospitals or clinics is required.

Association between dentures and the rate of falls in dementia.

BackgroundPoor oral health, chronic diseases, functional decline, and low cognitive ability can increase the risk of falls in the elderly.ObjectivesThe current study aimed to show the effects of oral health, diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension (HT), heart disease, functional status, and sociodemographic factors on the risk of falls in elderly with dementia.Materials and methodsThe sample comprised 1,210 Malaysian elderly who were demented and noninstitutionalized. This study was a national cross-sectional survey entitled “Determinants of Health Status among Older Malaysians”. The effects of age, ethnicity, sex differences, marital status, educational level, oral health, DM, HT, heart disease, and functional status on the risk of falls were evaluated. The multiple logistic regression model was used to estimate the effects of contributing variables on the risk of falls in samples.ResultsThe prevalence of falls was approximately 17% in subjects. It was found that age (odds ratio [OR] 1.02), non-Malay ethnicity (OR 1.66), heart disease (OR 1.92), and functional decline (OR 1.58) significantly increased the risk of falls in respondents (P<0.05). Furthermore, having teeth (OR 0.59) and dentures (OR 0.66) significantly decreased the rate of falls (P<0.05).ConclusionIt was concluded that age, non-Malay ethnicity, functional decline, heart disease, and oral health significantly affected falls in dementia.

Self-rated oral health and oral health-related factors: the role of social inequality.

The reasons why social inequality is associated with oral health outcomes is poorly understood. This study investigated whether stratification by different measures of socio-economic status (SES) helped elucidate these associations. Cross-sectional survey data were used from Australia's 2004-06 National Survey of Adult Oral Health. The outcome variable was poor self-rated oral health. Explanatory variables comprised five domains: demographic, economic, general health behaviour, oral health-related quality of life and perceived need for dental care. These explanatory variables were each stratified by three measures of SES: education, income and occupation. The overall proportion of adults reporting fair or poor oral health was 17.0% (95% CI 16.1, 18.0). Of these, a higher proportion were older, Indigenous, non-Australian born, poorly educated, annual income <$20 000, unemployed, eligible for public dental care, smoked tobacco, avoided food in the last 12 months, experienced discomfort with their dental appearance, experienced toothache or reported a need for dental care. In stratified analyses, a greater number of differences persisted in the oral health impairment and perceived need for dental care domains. Irrespective of the SES measure used, more associations between self-rated oral health and dental-specific factors were observed than associations between self-rated oral health and general factors.